Mass Intentions

Monday, December 8

      7:00 a.m.           Mr. & Mrs. C. Edward Cootes

      9:30 a.m.           William Taymens

      12:00 noon       Int. of Clark Brumbley

      7:00 p.m.           Edward J. Heine

Tuesday, December 9

      7:00 a.m.           Catherine Cole

      8:00 a.m.           Ronald Perron

Wednesday, December 10

      7:00 a.m.           Theresa Malta

      8:00 a.m.           Elizabeth & Sydney Renehan

Thursday, December 11

      7:00 a.m.           George Trump

      8:00 a.m.           Girard Schwessinger

Friday, December 12         

      7:00 a.m.           Charles McFadden

      9:30 a.m.           Joseph MacKowiak

Saturday, December 13

        8:00 a.m.           For an end to abortion

        5:00 p.m.           Thomas Velnoskey

Sunday, December 14

      7:15 a.m.           Russell Palaia

      9:15 a.m.           Ronald Di Blasio

    11:15 a.m.           Parishioners of St. John Parish

      3:15 p.m.           Antoinette Rowe

      6:00 p.m.           Martin Fischer

 

From the Pastor

    I want to express my appreciation to all who worked on, participated in and volunteered for our parish’s annual Christmas Bazaar. I am especially grateful to the committee chairs, the set-up and clean-up volunteers, and John Paris, the chairperson of the event. Thanks to you, our 50^th Christmas Bazaar has maintained the tradition of being both a community building and fund raising experience.

    Please take advantage of the Advent opportunities for prayer and good works. Our parish Reconciliation is Thursday, December 18^th. If you were not able to participate in the Adopt-a-Family program, sponsored by our St. Vincent de Paul Society, we can still use grocery certificates and donations to the Poor Box. The church is open during the day for quiet prayer; the Adoration Chapel is open until 9 p.m. every weekday evening. If you would like to know more about Perpetual Adoration, please call the parish office.

                May God bless you,

 

   

 

Liturgy & Worship

CHILDREN’S LITURGY ... Sunday, December 7

The 9:15 a.m. Mass will be a children’s liturgy.

 

SOLEMNITY of the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY … Monday, December 8

Masses will be celebrated at 7:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 7:00 p.m. Please note there is no vigil Mass for this Solemnity.

 

ADVENT PARISH PENANCE SERVICE … Thurs., Dec. 18

At 7:00 p.m. in the church. Opening prayer, Gospel, introduction of visiting priest, and individual confessions. All are encouraged to attend this beautiful service in preparation for the coming of the Lord.

 

CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIAL envelopes are available at the doors of the church. Please include (print or type) the names of the loved ones you wish remembered, your donation and envelope number. You may place your envelopes in the collection baskets or bring it to the parish office. Donations should be received by Monday, December 15^th.

 

CHRISTMAS SPIRITUAL BOUQUETS are available at the doors of the church. Offering envelopes may be placed in the collection basket or brought to the parish office.

 

CHRISTMAS WAFERS (Oplatek) are available in the parish office. A $3.00 donation is requested.

 

CHILDREN’S LITURGY COMMITTEE is looking for children interested in participating in the Christmas Eve Liturgy. For information, please call Jeannie Carbo at 410-840-8205.

 

PERPETUAL ADORATION of the BLESSED SACRAMENT:  We need your help with the following hours: Sundays – 2 & 9 a.m. and 3, 4, 5 & 6 p.m.; Mondays – 1 & 2 a.m.; Tuesdays – 12, 1, 3, & 8 a.m.; Wednesdays – 2, 3 & 7 a.m.; Thursdays – 2 & 3 a.m.; Fridays – 1, 2, 3 a.m. and 12 & 1 p.m.; and Saturdays – 12, 1, 2, & 3, a.m. and 12, 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9 & 10 p.m. Please call the parish office if you can fill one hour.

 

We Pray …

BAPTISMS... Congratulations and welcome to the following children recently baptized at St. John Church: Shane Robert Mummey, son of Steven & Megan Mummey; Brian Charles Biederman, son of Michael & Angela Biederman; Gavin Michael Martin, son of Robert & Larisa Martin; Luke Martin Peton, son of Craig & Holly Peton; Patrick Gary Ross, son of Gary & Karin Ross; Kara Anne Stach, daughter of Timothy & Margaret Ann Stach; Ava Cassidy Kidd, daughter of Jon & Meegan Kidd, Lyudmila Marie, Alexander Paul, and, Anastasia Grace Forst,  children of Paul & Kathleen Forst, and Olivia Mary Grace Drury, daughter of David & Nora Drury.

 

WE PRAY for the REPOSE of Patricia Slovick, Phyllis Hess, Nancy Amrhein, Eileen Herold, Mary Diane Reusing, Thomas Bowen, Steven Luke, Donald Gardner, and for their family and friends.

 

Liturgy of the Word

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS … December 8-14

Mon.:   Gn 3:9-15,20;   Ps 98:1-4;   Eph 1:3-6,11-12;   Lk 1:26-38

Tues.:  Is 40:1-11;   Ps 96:1-3,10-13;   Mt 18:12-14

Wed.:  Is 40:25-31;   Ps 103:1-4,8,10;   Mt 11:28-30

Thurs.: Is 41:13-20;   Ps 145:1,9-13;   Mt 11:11-15

Fri.:      Zec 2:14-17;   (Ps) Jdt 13:18-19;   Lk 1:26-38

Sat.:      Sir 48:1-4,9-11;   Ps 80:2-3,15-16;   Mt 17:9,10-13

Sun.:     Zep 3:14-18;   (Ps) Is 12:2-6;   Phil 4:4-7;   Lk 3:10-18

Stewardship

WEEKLY OFFERING: Weekend of November 30, 2003:

Envelopes:       $19,047.25                               Attendance:  3973

Loose:                   5,633.59                               Poor Box:   $1,411.22

TOTAL:         $24,680.84

 

This year’s budget is based on a weekly offering of $24,500.00. Our current weekly average is $24,068.75. Thank you.

 

VISION 2003 CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

Total Pledged:    $    6,926,908          Goal:                       $    8,056,600.  

Paid to Date:             5,552,436          Pledged to date:         6,926,908

Balance:               $  1,374,472 Interest Earned:                         549,780.

                                                              Pledges needed:   $       579,912

Thank you to all parishioners who have made a pledge. Memorial opportunities are still available. Please call the parish office to make, renew or extend your pledge.

 

THANK YOU for your generosity to the Thanksgiving Day collection for Shepherd Staff. Total collected was $1,766.00

 

THE SPECIAL COLLECTION next weekend is the annual collection for Retired Religious. Thank you for your generosity.

 

CHILDREN’S OFFERING ENVELOPES are available in the school and parish offices.

 

ELECTRONIC CONTRIBUTIONS: If you are interested in trying our Electronic Contributions Option, please call George Hinkel, in the Parish Office. 

 

School News

 

GROCERY CERTIFICATES Please support the school through purchasing gift cards for Kohl’s, Boscovs, and local grocery stores. They are available through the school office and before school.

 

PTF DANCE & SILENT AUCTION … Friday, April 23

Mark your calendars for this St. John PTF Annual event. Donations to the silent auction are needed including: time-shares, antiques, crafts, services, sports items or tickets, etc. Proceeds benefit the School and donations are tax deductible. For donations or info, contact Sheri at 410-833-6197 or Mary at 410-552-6689.

 

Religious Ed./Youth Activities

Religious Education Office: (410) 848-8443

 

HOME STUDY … Wednesday, December 10

At 6:45 p.m. Please note classes did not meet the first Wednesday due to the Christmas Bazaar preparations.

CONFIRMATION MASS of INITIATION … Sun., Dec. 14

At either the 11:15 a.m. or the 6:00 p.m. Mass. Confirmation students must attend one of the above Masses.

 

CLASS REMINDER to PARENTS: The last Religious Education classes for Christmas break are Tuesday, December 16^th and Thursday, December 18^th.

 

 

FALL RETREAT … December 12 – 14

There are only 10 spots left for the fall retreat. The cost is $85 and is due when you register. Call the Religious Ed. Office for info.

 

 

THE ANNUAL EDGE CHRISTMAS PARTY … Sun., Dec. 14

From 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the St. John school cafeteria, all 7^th and 8^th graders are invited to the biggest party of the year. Please note the Edge will continue to meet on the 2^nd Sunday and the 4^th Friday.

 

OPEN GYM NIGHT … Friday, December 26

For information, contact abrown@sjwest.org or call the Religious Education Office.

 

 

 

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY ... Friday, December 19

From 7:00 – 8:45 p.m. in the cafeteria. All 5^th and 6^th graders are invited to the Christmas party blowout. There will be a games, contest, and music. NEW for January, Youth Alive will once again meet every 1^st and 3^rd Friday of the month.

 

Outreach

* THE ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY *

GIFTS from the TREE of CARING and SHARING are to be brought to the altar at the Offertory at all Masses next weekend, December 13^th & 14^th. Gifts may also be delivered to the garage on Monday, December 15^th from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday is the last day gifts can be accepted. Thank you for your cooperation and generosity with this worthwhile project. 

 

THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to the Shepherds Staff Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. It was a success!

 

LOST: A car key was found in a bag of canned goods collected on Thanksgiving Day. Please call Nancy in the parish office at 410-848-4744 ext. 236.

 

activities in Our Parish

AND SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION EVENTS

 

POINSETTIA SALE   … Sunday, December 7 & 14

After all Sunday morning Masses in the school cafeteria. Stop in after Mass for a selection of beautiful poinsettias for Christmas. All proceeds go to the Church building fund.

 

 

KNIGHTS BREAKFAST with SANTA … Sunday, December 7

From 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Join the Knights in the school cafeteria for a great breakfast including; pancakes, french toast, eggs and more. Adults $4/children $2. Children get to talk with Santa.

 

WELCOMING SESSION & REGISTRATION … Sun. Dec. 7

If you are interested in becoming a member of St. John Parish or just interested in knowing how to get involved in the parish, you are invited to attend a Welcoming Session being held from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. or 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.

 

ST. JOHN LADIES’ SODALITY ... Sunday, December 7

Sodality meets for the 9:15 a.m. Mass, followed by the meeting in the parish center. All ladies of the parish are invited. For information, call Deana at 410-876-1007.

 

EVENING VESPERS & TOUR of the CHURCH … Dec. 9, 16, 23

Join us Tuesdays from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. during Advent to pray evening Vespers followed by tours of the church. Do you know someone who would like to see our new church? Would you like to have a guided tour telling more of the history of the beautiful pieces of art and the history of the parts of the church? Invite your family and friends to “Come Away, Pray and See the new Church”

 

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT … Tuesday, December 9

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the parish hall (old Church.) Please join us for a beautiful portrayal of the Nativity presented by the St. John Homeschool Group. All are welcome to this wonderful way to usher in the season of Advent.

 

WISDOM CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY … Thurs., Dec. 11

From 11:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m. at Martin’s Westminster. Buffet luncheon and “Special” entertainment. For information, call Charlotte at 410-876-7407 or Mary Agnes at 410-876-1307.

 

EUCHARISTIC FESTIVAL of PRAISE … Thurs., December 11

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the church. Join us for an evening of prayer, praise, music, adoration and benediction to prepare our hearts during the season of Advent. All friends, families, and youth are welcome. Sponsored by the Young Adult Group of St. John.

 

MASS to HONOR OUR LADY of GUADALUPE … Fri., Dec. 12

At 7:00 p.m. in the church. Join the Hispanic Community of St. John parish for this beautiful Bilingual Mass to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, which will include authentic Mexican music. For information, call Denise Diegel at 410-876-0860.

 

CATHOLIC HOME SCHOOL MEETING ...Thurs., Dec. 18

At 7:30 p.m. in the parish center. All interested are invited to attend. For more information, call Donna Brown at 410-848-0905.

 

SESQUICENTENNIAL YEAR CLOSING MASS… Sat., Dec. 27

On the Feast Day of our patron Saint. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Malooly at 5:00 p.m. A reception to follow in the gym.

 

STAND VOLUNTEER PRESENTATION … Mon., January 5

From 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the old church. All parish volunteers who have not been to a STAND presentation must attend this session. For additional information, contact George Hinkel at the parish office ext. 249.

 

LITURGICAL MINISTERS RETREAT … Saturday, Jan. 17

At Carroll Community College, registration at 8:00 a.m. The retreat will begin with Mass at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at approximately 2:30 p.m. Please reserve this date on your calendar (snow date will be January 24). The following Liturgical Ministers should attend: ·Lectors ·Ushers ·Eucharistic Ministers ·Music Ministers ·Children’s Liturgy ·Children’s Liturgy of the Word ·Art & Environment ·Liturgy Committee Members.

 

LES MISERABLES … Saturday, April 17

There are still a few tickets left. Tickets are $73 and money is due in the parish office by December 8^th. For information, please contact. Mary Masimore at 410-857-0526.

 

150^th ANNIVERSARY KEEPSAKES AVAILABLE to benefit our Church Building Fund! ■ The Wine Glass bears a satin-etched image of our Sesquicentennial logo, costs $5. ■ The 6” square Ceramic Tile shows a gold metallic representation of our Sesquicentennial logo and detailed images of the three churches. Cost is $10. Both may be purchased in the parish office, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, while supplies last.

 

150^th ANNIVERSARY BOOK & VIDEO: It’s not too late to order the hard-cover edition of our Parish History and/or Video. Both will be released in late November and are professionally produced—perfect for Christmas gift giving. Cost per book is $20. Cost per video is $15. Save by purchasing the set for $30. All proceeds benefit the Building Fund. Order forms are available in the parish office, or by calling Sue Ripper at 876-3472, Wendy Hoff at 840-9231, or the parish office x217.

 

150^th ANNIVERSARY SWEATSHIRTS: Sizes available: youth small through adult 3x. For information, contact Jean at 410-848-8654 or Mary Agnes at 410-876-1307.

 

ALTAR SOCIETY of ST. JOHN is in need of several more people willing to donate some of their time on Fridays to help clean the church. For more information, please contact Pat Mueller at 410-876-2596.

 

THE HISPANIC MINISTRY is looking for Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, and parishioners to assist in other ways for the 3:15 p.m. Spanish Mass, and with the Spanish-speaking community. You need not be fluent in Spanish. This could be a perfect opportunity for high school students! For more information, call Denise Diegel at 410-876-0860.

 

MEMORIAL BRICKS: We will have a 3^rd opportunity to purchase a memorial brick. 4 x 8 brick forms are available in the parish office. A limited number of 8 x 8 bricks will be available, call Kathy Duex for an 8 x 8 form at 410-848-4469. Bricks are $75 for 4 x 8 and $150 for an 8 x 8.

 

NEW BEGINNINGS is held in the parish center on the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays each month from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. to provide separated or divorced people a forum to exchange experiences, ideas and opinions. For info, call Janelynn Moore at 410-848-8741.

 

TOGETHER we can MAKE IT is an 8-10 week support group with a limited number of participants for those recently separated or divorced. For Info, call Janelynn Moore at 410-848-8741.

THREE MARY'S AUDIO CD'S: In time for Christmas!  Excellent quality. A limited number are available. The cost is $14. For information, call Jeanne 410-751-6106. 

 

SUNDAY NURSERY for 1-5 year olds will be held in the St. Matthew room of the school during the 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Masses. For info, or if you are interested in starting a nursery for the 6:00 p.m. Mass, please contact Peggy Rager at 410-848-0790.

 

At Other Parishes

ADVENT REFLECTION for SINGLE WOMEN … Dec. 12-13

At Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart in Towson. Arrive at 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening and depart, Saturday at 4:00 p.m.  Please register by December 8. For more information, call Sr. Loretta Cornell at 410-823-8585 ext. 246.

 

ST. AGNES CLASS OF 1984 REUNION: If you or someone you know graduated from St. Agnes in 1984 and are interested in attending a class reunion, please contact Anna D. at 410-491-8869 or Patty W. at atent42@erols.com.

 

Vocations/Archdiocese

TRAVELING CHALICE PROGRAM: Each week a St. John family receives the chalice and the commission at Mass to pray for an increase in the priestly and religious vocations during that week. Sign up now to have your family receive the chalice. For information, call Ms. Hopkins at 410-857-5487.